Job Title: Nursery Manager
Location: Alvaston Derby DE24 0PA
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications
About Us: Little Rainbows Academy's ethos makes it a great place to work, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We believe in child-led play, fostering creativity, and building strong partnerships with families.
Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly motivated Nursery Manager to lead our dedicated team and ensure the provision of outstanding childcare and early years education. The Nursery Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the nursery, maintaining high standards of care, education, and safety, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment for children, staff, and parents.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management:
* Provide strong leadership and direction to all nursery staff, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
* Recruit, train, supervise, and appraise nursery staff, ensuring ongoing professional development and adherence to best practices.
* Manage staff rotas, holidays, and sickness to ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained at all times.
* Conduct regular staff meetings and facilitate effective communication channels within the nursery.
* Implement and review nursery policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (e.g., Ofsted, EYFS).
* Lead by example, demonstrating excellent childcare practices and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Curriculum & Child Development:
* Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a stimulating and age-appropriate curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
* Ensure that children's individual needs are met, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
* Monitor and assess children's progress, ensuring accurate record-keeping and effective communication with parents.
* Champion child-centred practices and promote an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and independent learning.
Safeguarding & Welfare:
* Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in the nursery.
* Implement and monitor robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all staff are trained and vigilant.
* Ensure the nursery environment is safe, clean, and well-maintained, adhering to all health and safety regulations.
* Manage and investigate any incidents, accidents, or concerns promptly and thoroughly, taking appropriate action and reporting as required.
Parent & Community Engagement:
* Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents/carers, ensuring open communication and their active involvement in their child's learning journey.
* Organise and facilitate parent events, workshops, and communication channels.
* Represent the nursery professionally within the local community.
Operational & Financial Management:
* Manage nursery admissions, occupancy levels, and waiting lists.
* Oversee the efficient use of resources and manage the nursery budget effectively.
* Ensure all administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time (e.g., invoicing, record-keeping).
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all children and staff.
Quality Assurance & Compliance:
* Ensure the nursery consistently meets and exceeds the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted.
* Lead and prepare for Ofsted inspections, responding to any recommendations or actions.
* Conduct regular internal audits and self-assessments to identify areas for improvement.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Essential: A full and relevant Level 3 childcare qualification (or higher) as defined by the Department for Education.
* Essential: A minimum of three (3) years of recent experience working in a children's nursery setting, demonstrating a strong understanding of early years practice and childcare operations.
* Essential: Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a nursery setting.
* Demonstrable knowledge of the EYFS, Ofsted requirements, and all relevant childcare legislation.
* Up-to-date Safeguarding training (Designated Safeguarding Lead qualification desirable).
* Paediatric First Aid qualification.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong organisational and time management skills.
* Proficient in the use of IT, including nursery management software.
Personal Attributes:
* Passionate about early years education and childcare.
* Child-focused with a genuine love for working with children.
* A strong leader and motivator with the ability to inspire a team.
* Approachable, empathetic, and professional.
* Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure.
* Committed to continuous professional development.
* A strong problem-solver with excellent decision-making skills.
To Apply: Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to
Closing Date: 31st August 2025
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £29,120.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person